Us Elections

Question 1

Felony disenfranchisement figures for black voter

Answer 1

2016 Brennan Centre for justice found that 1 in 13 black voters (4x as many as all other Americans) had lost their right to vote because of previous convictions

Question 2

What was the 2013 case on voting rights and what happened after

Answer 2

2013 Shelby County v Holder
Struck down the preclearance formula laid out in the 1965 voting rights act which meant that 8 states had to seek federal clearance before changing electoral processes

Within days Texas announced that a voter ID law which had been blocked would now go into law immediately

Question 3

What was the 1965 voting rights act and why was it necessary

Answer 3

Article 2- allowed the creation of majority minority districts

Article 5- preclearance set out meaning that 8 states eg Alabama had to seek approval from federal government before changing electoral processes

It was necessary because the 15th amendment which enfranchised black men had been deliberately interpreted by southern states to limit the logistical ease or the enthusiasm of black people to vote (eg using literacy tests )

Question 4

What % of voters live in states where there is the option to vote early either in person or through mail

Answer 4

97%